Healthy Creamy Garlic Roasted Shrimp Pasta with a Light Cream
A delightful balance of rich flavors and health-conscious ingredients, this creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a quick, wholesome meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Tongs or pasta spoon
- Fine grater
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 8 oz whole grain or gluten-free spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup light cream or half-and-half
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the pasta:
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil.
Roast the shrimp:
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce:
- Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in light cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Combine and serve:
- Add pasta and shrimp to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness before serving.
Customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta alternatives.
Enjoy your delicious, healthy creamy garlic shrimp pasta!
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness before serving.
Customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta alternatives.
Enjoy your delicious, healthy creamy garlic shrimp pasta!